For Research Personnel
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PDF Version of Formaldehyde Storage and Spill Protocol for Research Personnel
Formaldehyde solutions are commonly used for the preservation of specimens. Animals are often perfused with formalin as well. The concentration of these solutions is typically 3.7% formaldehyde (or formalin). Specimen containers with formaldehyde solution must have special labels, as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Formaldehyde Standard. The University of Rochester’s written Formaldehyde Program was written to comply with the standard and provide the necessary protection for personnel.
Possible Health Hazards
Formaldehyde solutions can present a health hazard from inhalation and direct skin contact. The most likely health effect is skin or eye irritation from direct exposure to the formaldehyde solutions. Immediate first aid is to flush the affected area with copious quantities of water. For locations where larger quantities of formaldehyde are used, an inhalation exposure is possible. Such exposures can result in respiratory and eye irritation. Whenever possible, use formaldehyde products in a fume hood to prevent exposure.
OSHA established a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), a level that individuals can be exposed to for an 8-hour workday without experiencing a health effect, for formaldehyde of 0.75 parts per million. Monitoring of personnel handling specimen containers has shown that the levels are typically less than 0.1 parts per million provided containers are kept tightly sealed and the location is well ventilated. Chronic exposures to high levels of formaldehyde have resulted in allergic sensitivity or cancer. By preventing exposures to formaldehyde the common health hazards and serious effects can be prevented.
Storage Locations
Rooms where formaldehyde specimen containers are stored or used must be properly ventilated. Environmental Safety can be contacted to check locations where these specimen containers are stored. Personnel are to keep the containers closed except when placing a specimen in the container. Latex or nitrile gloves provide adequate protection from formaldehyde.
Locations where specimen containers are stored should be labeled. Special labels are available from Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) by calling x5-3241. Minimize the number of specimen containers stored and use a well-ventilated location.
Spill Protocols
Spills of formaldehyde from specimen containers are unlikely. However, immediate action must be taken should to prevent exposure should a container fail or leak. The information provided in the University of Rochester Medical Center’s EMERGENCY 13 flip chart contains the needed information for actions to take for spills and exposures. The procedure outlined in the UofR’s Formaldehyde Program should also be followed.
The following are situations that may occur and the action that should be taken:
- Leaking, unused sample container:
Protect skin by wearing a pair of gloves. Take the specimen container to a sink. Rinse the formaldehyde down the drain with cold water. Clean any contaminated surface with cold water at least two times.
- Leaking specimen container holding a specimen:
Transfer the contents of the container to another specimen container. Dispose any unneeded formaldehyde solution down the drain (using cold water for a flush). Make sure the new specimen container identifies the specimen.
- Multiple sample containers:
The possibility of multiple sample containers is unlikely. Should multiple containers fail, follow the information outlined in the University of Rochester Medical Center’s EMERGENCY 13 flip chart, section listed Chemical/Biological/Radiological Spill.
Even for small spills, the appropriate personal protective equipment needs to be worn. Any collected waste from a spill is to be collected and processed as hazardous waste.
If you have any questions or concerns about the storage or use of formaldehyde or any other chemical in your work area, please contact University Risk Management and Environmental Safety at x5-3241.
QUESTIONS? Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.
This page last updated 11/8/04. Disclaimer
